Immunofixation blood test

Immunofixation Blood Test

An immunofixation blood test is a type of laboratory test used to detect and identify abnormal proteins in a patient's blood. It's often ordered along with other tests to diagnose a wide range of medical conditions, including multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, and other blood disorders. Immunofixation is also sometimes used to evaluate the treatment of these conditions.

Preparation

No special preparation is needed in order to have an immunofixation blood test. It is simply necessary to fast for eight hours before the test. In order to get accurate results, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions.

Procedure

The test is performed in a laboratory using a small sample of blood drawn from the patient's arm into a vial. The serum is then separated from the other components of the blood and sent to a specialized laboratory where the immunofixation is done.

Types

The two main types of immunofixation are serum immunofixation and urine immunofixation. The serum test is done on a sample of blood from the patient while the urine test is done on a sample of urine. For either test, the proteins of interest are identified using an antibody and a fixing agent.

Risks

This test is considered safe and is generally free of any risks. As with any type of medical test, it may sometimes produce false-positive or false-negative results.

Why Is an Immunofixation Blood Test Used?

An immunofixation blood test is typically ordered by a doctor when they suspect that a patient is suffering from a blood disorder but are unsure of the exact diagnosis. It is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as multiple myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, and amyloidosis.

When Is the Test Performed?

An immunofixation blood test is most often performed when other tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) or a serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) have been inconclusive. It may also be used in monitoring the progress of a patient's treatment.

Interpreting Results

The results of an immunofixation blood test will usually be available within 1-3 days depending on the laboratory that performs the test. The results usually indicate which abnormal protein, if any, is present in the sample. Depending on the type of abnormality, additional testing may be recommended to be sure of an accurate diagnosis.